One popular motto of the US Military is "To Win Hearts and Minds." Though the phrase make smack of war propaganda, it is practiced by the military. Throughout the history of warfare, the US has a long tradition of taking care of the citizens of occupied or invaded countries. Author Richard Reeves tells one such story in his book "Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of the Berlin Airlift," which tells the tales of the military men who delivered supplies and lifelines to the people of West Berlin. In a campaign that was supposed to last 30 days and lasted more than a year, these brave service men battled harsh conditions and the remnants of war to help those who were previously trying to kill them. Reeves wrote the book in response to the reports of military behavior during the Abu Ghraib scandal. Tune-in to hear this fascinating and not widely known story of post World War II Berlin.
Town Hall Speaker: Richard Reeves, author of “Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of The Berlin Airlift”
Town Hall Vault Speakers:
General Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff (2000)
General Richard Myers, Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff (2001)
General Anthony Zinni (Retired) (2006)
Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (2008)

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One’s a former Secretary of State, a Stanford Scholar, an accomplished pianist – and a Republican. The other’s a noted civil rights attorney, named one of California’s top ten most influential lawyers – and a Democrat. But they’re cousins, sharing a family history that dates back to slavery days, as well as a passion for social justice that transcends party lines. This week on Town Hall Journal, Condoleezza Rice discusses her new book, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family, with her cousin, Constance Rice. In the book, Dr. Rice shares her childhood memories of growing up in the Jim Crow south, as well as the family experiences and values that shaped her journey to the White House. Don’t miss this lively, insightful and intimate conversation between two very extraordinary women.

Since October 2001, over 1.6 million U.S. troops have been deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many of these veterans suffer from the so-called ‘invisible wounds of war,’ which include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, depression and homelessness. In fact, Los Angeles is home to the nation’s largest population of homeless veterans. Are we as a society doing enough to help our service men and women get back on their feet? Town Hall recently convened a panel of experts to discuss the challenges faced by 21st century veterans. Our Vault segment takes us back to World War II, when Americans were urged to help returning soldiers by creating prosperity at home. And we’ll hear from a former commander in Iraq who has found solace by helping others cope.
Town Hall Speakers:
Lt. Colonel Julian Bond, Battalian Commander, 40th Brigade Support Battalion, California National Guard
Rocky J. Chavez, Undersecretary of Veterans Affairs, California Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Jeremiah Michaels, Vocational Development Advisor, New Directions, Inc.
Toni Reinis, Executive Director, New Directions, Inc.
Terry Schell, Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation, and co-author, ‘Invisible Wounds of War’
“Destination Tomorrow,” narrated by Chet Huntley (CBS, 1944)
A personal story: Colonel David Sutherland, former Commander of the American Combat Brigade in Iraq

Any kindergarten teacher can tell you that children who have had the benefit of preschool enter their classrooms ready – and eager – to learn, to interact, and to achieve. And studies show that students with the early education advantage are less likely to drop out, to need special education, to end up on welfare or even in prison. Those critical ‘First Five’ years lay the groundwork for a student’s entire future – and by extension, the future of our society. But in this country, there’s a wide gap between those who can afford preschool and those who can’t. Half of California’s low-income children arrive in kindergarten to find they’re already behind their peers – and unlikely to catch up. Why is it so difficult for us to give our children the head start they need?
Town Hall Speakers:
Molly Munger, Co-director, The Advancement Project
Dr. Celia Ayala, CEO, Los Angeles Universal Preschool
Maria Casillas, President, Families in Schools
Tamika Lang, California Community Investor for Global Corporate Citizenship, The Boeing Company
Richard Atlas, Co-founder and Trustee, The Atlas Foundation
Dr. Gail Zellman, Senior Research Psychologist, The RAND Corporation
Town Hall Vault Speaker:
Rob Reiner, actor/director and early education advocate (1998, 2002)
The students and teachers of Linda Vista Children’s Center, Pasadena

Our next governor faces many of the same issues that have plagued the state since the days of Pat Brown – jobs, education, health care, taxes, immigration, taxes, water conservation and – more taxes. What lessons can he or she take from days gone by? During their campaigns, many of California’s past governors came to Town Hall to lay out their priorities for the state. For this special pre-Election Day Town Hall Journal, we dug deep into the vault for the voices of governors past – and you might be surprised at what we’ve uncovered. What does the political rhetoric of the past tell us about the present – and the future – of California?
TOWN HALL Speakers:
Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, former Governor of California (1978)
Jerry Brown, Governor of California (1978)
George Deukmejian, Republican candidate for Governor (1981)
Pete Wilson, Republican candidate for Governor (1990)
Gray Davis, Democratic candidate for Governor (1997)
INTERVIEW:
Dan Walters, Political Columnist, The Sacramento Bee

Far from causing the downfall of journalism, as some have predicted, the digital age has resulted in a wealth of information sources, from 24-hour cable channels to internet bloggers to iPhone alerts. This, in addition to traditional newspapers, TV and radio news, means we’re never more than seconds away from the latest headlines. But which new media are credible? Who do you trust for unbiased information? According to Jim Lehrer, host of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, anyone who cares about the issues now just has to work a little harder to get accurate news. And anyone who cares about the business of journalism has to embrace the changes – or risk being thrown out with yesterday’s papers.
Speaker:
Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor, ““The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer”
Town Hall Vault Speakers:
Robert Klein, President, Klein & Company (1982)
Joel Chaseman, President, Post-Newsweek Stations (1981)
Jim Lehrer, Anchor, NewsHour (1998)
Interview:
Gabriel Kahn, Los Angeles Bureau Chief, The Wall Street Journal

The history of Los Angeles is filled with colorful characters leading its police department, with varying philosophies on how to run the squad. Police brutality and an "Us vs. Them" mindset of the Chief William Parker era paved the way to the Watts Riots. Chief Daryl Gates’ "Circle the Wagons" attitude following the Rodney King beatings brought scrutiny through the Christopher Commission. Which then gave way to the kindler, gentler hand of Chief William Bratton and the advent of community policing. Our newest top cop, Chief Charlie Beck, a 35-year veteran of the force, promises to expand community policing further and instill a culture of cooperation all the way down the ranks. What challenges lay ahead for the LAPD?
Speaker:
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck
Town Hall Vault Speakers:
Police Chief Daryl Gates (1981)
Police Chief Willie Williams (1992)
Police Chief Bernard Parks (2002)
Interview:
Joe Domanick, author of To Protect and to Serve: The LAPD’s Century of War in the City of Dreams

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TOWN HALL Journal is a lively, informative radio magazine, hosted by Emmy and Peabody award-winning broadcast journalist Judy Muller, and presented by Town Hall Los Angeles, Los Angeles’ premier platform for public speaking. Each week, the program draws upon Town Hall speakers past and present for an in-depth look into political, economic and cultural issues affecting the daily lives of Angelenos.